There was no palm branches waving or cheering when Jesus arrived back home. Most of the people just stopped and stared as he and his disciples walked into town that Sabbath evening. Jesus had come to the synagogue to visit some old friends and to worship God. The old Rabbi was kind enough to ask Jesus to say a few words. But after Jesus spoke for a while, a murmur rose among those who had gathered. Many people, friends and family members, where listening intently as Jesus spoke. They were all amazed, yet questioned the source of his wisdom and the miraculous powers that came through His hands. Some people asked if these were not the hands of "the carpenter," the son of Mary?
Most of the people knew Jesus' parents and some of his brothers and sisters. Many of the people might have seen Jesus' skills as a carpenter or had him do some work for them. Others perhaps talked with him when he was younger, or their children played with him. They and their children all grew up with Jesus. Some may of had him over for meal or attended the synagogue together. Others could have gone fishing with him or traveled together to Jerusalem for Holy Festivals. But whatever the situation or circumstances, they found his new ministry questionable. And so they took offense, rejecting him and his authority. All these people, and possibly former friends, saw Jesus in a different light, a light that made them feel uncomfortable. Then, Jesus said to them,
"A prophet is respected everywhere except in his own town and by his relatives and his own family." (Mark 6:4)Jesus had walked through many other towns and had been swamped by people wanting to reach out and touch him; others wanted to be healed by him. He had just raised a young girl back to life. And now He was a celebrity, at least in other cities and villages, but not here in Nazareth. So why were these people so different? Why were they offended? Skeptical?
Did they think they knew some dark secret or hidden family sin? There seems to always be small-town gossip and rumors that spread through the marketplace. It could have something to do with that or maybe they felt threatened, after all Jesus seemed to know plenty about them too. So why was Jesus so opposed by his hometown friends, and even his family? Was it jealousy? Or was it the calling of a Prophet? Prophet was a title given to someone special, and to them that sure wasn't Jesus. Sure he was nice guy and a hard worker—and even a brother. But he was just an ordinary man who lived among them. Why did he get to be someone special and not them?
Very few prophets were ever really liked throughout Jewish history. Most were seen by the people as doom and gloom seers, people who wore strange clothing or none at all. And many of them had long hair. They always seemed to do strange things or were blamed for their words creating extreme hardship on the people. One prophet stopped the rains for 3 1/2 years; even the king and queen hated him. John the Baptist was one of the few exceptions, but he too had enemies in the palaces. But, their message was always the same: REPENT. John didn't perform any miracles, but the people came from all over the region to see and be baptized by him. Jesus, the master of love and miracles, still found it difficult to influence or change the hearts of many people, especially in Nazareth.
There wasn't even a warm welcome by his family, or an invitation to join them at the annual Jewish festivals. Even Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in Him. Jesus said to them, "My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil." (John 7:6,7) Here is one of the reasons people don't like prophets: People don't want to acknowledge that their ways are evil; they also don't want to have their sins pointed out. They prefer to see themselves as differently than how the prophets see them; they want to believe that God approves of their actions and lifestyles.
On another occasion, Jesus said to the people, "I have come in My Father's name..." Here is the real issue: the people thought they knew His father. "and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive honor from one another and you don't seek the honor that is from the one and only God? " (John 5:43, 44). Those who honor Jesus also honor God. One day the Pharisees and the Jews had an augment with Jesus as to who their real father was. The Pharisees claimed God was their Father and said they were not born of fornication— insinuating that Jesus was. (John 8:41). However, Jesus told them their father was the devil, who is the father of all lies, including their own lies. (John 8:44)
The old saying, "familiarity breeds contempt," might have been the biggest factor in Jesus' rejection. People often think they know you better than they really do. You're just one of our family, or you are that neighborhood kid who has been around for a while. They all saw Jesus from a carnal prospective. His mother probably saw Jesus as her special little boy (Mary's little lamb), that she had nursed and tried to protect. She wanted to keep him safe, warm and healthy, seeing that all his needs were met. God had chosen her to give birth to His son and she felt the responsibility to help and protect Him whenever possible, especially since Joseph was gone.
Very few prophets were ever really liked throughout Jewish history. Most were seen by the people as doom and gloom seers, people who wore strange clothing or none at all. And many of them had long hair. They always seemed to do strange things or were blamed for their words creating extreme hardship on the people. One prophet stopped the rains for 3 1/2 years; even the king and queen hated him. John the Baptist was one of the few exceptions, but he too had enemies in the palaces. But, their message was always the same: REPENT. John didn't perform any miracles, but the people came from all over the region to see and be baptized by him. Jesus, the master of love and miracles, still found it difficult to influence or change the hearts of many people, especially in Nazareth.
There wasn't even a warm welcome by his family, or an invitation to join them at the annual Jewish festivals. Even Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in Him. Jesus said to them, "My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil." (John 7:6,7) Here is one of the reasons people don't like prophets: People don't want to acknowledge that their ways are evil; they also don't want to have their sins pointed out. They prefer to see themselves as differently than how the prophets see them; they want to believe that God approves of their actions and lifestyles.
On another occasion, Jesus said to the people, "I have come in My Father's name..." Here is the real issue: the people thought they knew His father. "and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive honor from one another and you don't seek the honor that is from the one and only God? " (John 5:43, 44). Those who honor Jesus also honor God. One day the Pharisees and the Jews had an augment with Jesus as to who their real father was. The Pharisees claimed God was their Father and said they were not born of fornication— insinuating that Jesus was. (John 8:41). However, Jesus told them their father was the devil, who is the father of all lies, including their own lies. (John 8:44)
The old saying, "familiarity breeds contempt," might have been the biggest factor in Jesus' rejection. People often think they know you better than they really do. You're just one of our family, or you are that neighborhood kid who has been around for a while. They all saw Jesus from a carnal prospective. His mother probably saw Jesus as her special little boy (Mary's little lamb), that she had nursed and tried to protect. She wanted to keep him safe, warm and healthy, seeing that all his needs were met. God had chosen her to give birth to His son and she felt the responsibility to help and protect Him whenever possible, especially since Joseph was gone.
Jesus' siblings probably played games, teased him or wrestled with him at times. They all saw the natural behavior of their brother or half-brother while growing up. He was just like them or so they thought. They did most everything together. Jesus, as a child, might have been disciplined just like them when they misbehaved. There was the time, when Jesus was 12 years of age, the family thought he was lost in Jerusalem. Jesus was taught from the same books and teachers of the Torah. Yet, Mary still seemed to favor Him the most. All these similar feelings and thoughts even existed within his relatives and the townsfolk; they all saw Jesus through carnal eyes. But, that was the flaw in their perspective.
As sons of God we should be seeing one another through spiritual eyes. Unfortunately very few Christians do. We, as believers, are not to be tied to carnal relationships. God places a higher value on the spiritual relationships He establishes, people who hear and obey the word of God (Mark 3:35). Many people have missed God's perfect will by clinging to family ties. God requires one thing: total obedience. Jesus also taught this. (Luke 9: 59-60, 14:26, and 18: 28-30).
God is our Father and we are to submit to him and his will for His family; we should be willing to let go of any human family ties that would hinder our relationship with him, as hard as that may be. Abraham and Jacob had to do it. And so should we—if required by God. Most mothers would have a hard time with this, because their "maternal" instincts. But even a man leaving his family might have a difficult time; some of Jesus' disciples did. Jesus also taught that anyone not willing to leave their family, was not worthy of the kingdom of God (Mt.10:34-37). That still applies today, but that teaching is not recognized in Christianity.
Jesus didn't go around telling people that He was a prophet, nor did he boast that He was the son of God. He was just being who He was, a friend and a savor, helping a lost world. He just said and did what He saw the Father doing and the people could accept it or reject it.
Prophets
A prophet's words and actions should be taken seriously. They are the voice of God who are pointing or leading the way people should go. But, because of familiarity, they are too often not taken seriously enough. Many people may like them and think they're unique because of their peculiar way of talking or extreme behavior. Neither do they support God's prophets spiritually and financially the way they should. We should seek ways to help them as much as possible. The scriptures tell us that, "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." (Mt. 10:41). Also we are admonished to, "put your trust in the Lord our God and you will be established and your trust in His prophets and succeed." (2 Chron. 20:20) Sound like good advice to me.
We should sow into prophets lives, even to great sacrifice. Look what happened to the widow who gave her last meal to Elijah. Therefore it is wise to show honor by giving to prophets. But, better yet, we honor them by listening to and obeying their words. When we honor a prophet, we honor God. And anything less is a dishonor to the prophet and to God. Many seek prophets as to get a word regarding the future, but few will accept advice or correction. Hopefully, that will change as more people see the anointing on their life and understand the consequences of those actions.
There have been many words of encouragement from prophets, and that's good, but it seems to have had minimal effect on changing religious mindsets as to the degree necessary to purify the church or change the world. However, there prayers are setting the stage for a mighty move of God, with angels ready to act when given the word. God desires to bring the church back to true holiness, and He will do so one way or another. This time it will be demonstrated through greater love and greater power.
As kind and loving as Jesus was, it was also necessary for Him to speak his share of rebukes to people. Rebukes are also a form of love. If we hear a rebuke from a prophet it would be wise to heed to it and thank him for it, for God is wanting to help us. It is for our good. God is using prophets to express His will for the church and to bring correction and Judgment.
Many prophets in the Bible were single men, because of the harshness of their call and their solidarity (passion) to God. There were also a few married ones. Today, the same is true. And often the call on their lives can be a strain on family relationships. Choosing a life without a wife for the sake of Christ, is harder than most can imagine. Yet, being married to a prophet can also be harder than either could have imagined when they first said their,"I do's." Some people were meant to be single and others married. But true joy is found in the Lord.
Prophets have always been persecuted; "the cross" comes with the territory and it may never change. Anyone who wants to be a prophet or an apostle is naive. Besides, it is a calling that is given, and not acquired by human effort. It is a life often filled with extreme hardship and rejection, but there are also many spiritual rewards. Hearing God's voice and seeing him are just a couple of them. There are many other ones (Mark 10 :29). But that is not their motive, they have been consumed by the heart and fire of God, and have been commissioned to speak the heart of the Father.
Satan doesn't want people to listen to prophets. He will fill their minds with a lot of false accusations, and people will call prophets some of the most offensive names. And other will want to kill them. Jesus was no exception. But it didn't stop him or any other "man of God." They are possessed with a passion that can't be stopped until they fulfill the mission God has planned for them. The responsibility on their lives is great. If they don't warn the wicked or the righteous, as the Lord said, He will hold the person's blood against them." (Ez. 10: 18-21). The souls of many people and nations depend on their obedience to God. "To whom much is given much is required." (Luke 12:48)
Prophets often live a recluse life until God is ready to use them. Some don't realize the calling until later in life. Some hear God's voice often and others are led by His heart. Many tend to be very black and white in their convictions and a little rough around the edges. But they have a sacrificial love for God and His people. They are often required to do strange things just an in Bible times, yet they don't advertise it. Humility is an absolute requirement. Possessions have little meaning to them and they are often on the move. They prefer to travel light and quick. Some tend to get frustrated when they see people disregarding the word of the Lord. But most of their true emotions are rarely shown. Most don't seek attention. Some don't even understand their own actions. They just know it's what they're supposed to do. God is the one who understands and it is his sovereign plan that will prevail. Many have spent a lifetime waiting on God, and there is no better way for a person to spend his life.
Note: Many people think because we have the Bible and preachers, that we don't really need prophets. This is a very wrong assumption. Apostles and Prophets are the foundation of the church. Without them we have a dysfunctional group of Christians often following religious laws and principles with no sense of direction as to where God is or what He is doing. In the near future there is going to be many of these prophets (men and women) coming forth as never before, with the anointing to speak God's word with full authority. They have been given a rod and a mandate to demonstrate signs and wonders, as to bring restoration and judgment when necessary. But most of all, they will share a revelation of the love, mercy and grace of the Heavenly Father. I pray the world will honor them, but if they don't God certainly will.
